Philadelphia Archdiocese Hit by Another Abuse Suit

A man whose grand jury testimony led to charges against a high-ranking official in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and other two priests has filed a civil suit against the church.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the suit filed Monday alleges the church knowingly assigned an abusive priest to his Northeast Philadelphia parish. The now 23-year-old plaintiff claims he was raped by that priest, a second priest and a Catholic school teacher.

The plaintiff’s testimony was key to a grand jury’s February recommendation of charges against Monsignor William Lynn, the former secretary for clergy; priests Charles Engelhardt and Edward Avery; and a former teacher.

Lynn is the only U.S. church official to be charged in the sex-abuse scandal for administrative actions.

An archdiocese spokeswoman declined to comment on the suit.